Staghorn Fern 4 Hanging Basket Exotic Houseplant

The plant you will receive is a Platycerium biforcatum, commonly known as the Staghorn Fern, growing in a 4-inch hanging basket. This epiphytic plant, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and Australia, has a unique growth habit and appearance.

The Staghorn Fern has a short rhizome from which two distinct types of fronds emerge: sterile and fertile. The sterile fronds are rounded and form a sort of involucre that encases the branch on which the plant is attached. From these, the fertile fronds sprout, carrying the reproductive apparatus, recognizable by a rusty down situated on the ventral part of the plant. The fertile fronds are long, wide, and laciniated (deeply lobed) at the top.

Unlike many houseplants, the Staghorn Fern does not grow its roots in soil. Instead, it thrives in the air, with its roots attached to a surface, such as a tree branch or a hanging basket. This unusual growth habit is what makes the Staghorn Fern one of the more unique and exotic houseplants.

The Staghorn Fern produces two distinct types of fronds. The branched fronds, which give the plant its common name, are the most recognizable feature. The other type of frond is round and flat, forming a collar around the branched fronds. These round fronds can reach 3 to 4 inches across on young plants, and up to 3 to 4 feet across on older, larger specimens.

To ensure the Staghorn Fern's optimal growth, it is important to provide it with the right environmental conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It also prefers bright, indirect light, rather than direct sunlight.

In summary, the plant you will receive is a Platycerium biforcatum, or Staghorn Fern, growing in a 4-inch hanging basket. This unique and exotic houseplant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows without soil, and produces two distinct types of fronds, one branched and the other round and flat. With the right care, the Staghorn Fern can thrive indoors and add a touch of the tropics to your living space.

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